Retired janitor cleans up $117m

Lowell jackpot winner finally comes forward


By Donovan Slack, Globe Staff *|* July 10, 2004


A 67-year-old retired janitor from Lowell who has spent much of her working life picking up after others walked away yesterday with the largest lottery jackpot in state history.

Dressed in a peach and yellow shirt bought especially for the occasion, Geraldine "Gerry" Williams burst into tears after lottery officials handed her a ceremonial oversized check for $294 million at Massachusetts Lottery headquarters in Braintree.

"I don't know what it is to have money," Williams said, biting her lip nervously before a phalanx of media. "I hope I don't change."

http://www.boston.com/news/local/articles/2004/07/10/retired_janitor_cleans_up_117m/

When they interviewed her on our local news, she seemed like a very deserving lady. Has had a hard life as a janitor. Her neighbors spoke of a very kind lady. Always trying to better the neighborhood, she would pickup trash around the area. Enjoyed helping out the elderly in the area. Now she will get to enjoy life. Wants to help out her children and give to charity. "Above all, no I can travel."